HUD Imposes New Rules on Housing Assistance
President Donald Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced new regulations that restrict illegal immigrants from accessing taxpayer-funded housing intended for low-income Americans, such as Section 8 programs.
On Thursday, HUD released new rules that require proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status for individuals wishing to receive housing assistance:
Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 prohibits the Secretary of HUD from providing financial support through public and certain subsidized housing programs to anyone other than U.S. citizens or specific eligible noncitizens. This proposed regulation aims to amend HUD’s Section 214 Implementing Regulations, making it necessary for all applicants and recipients of assistance under qualified programs to provide proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, irrespective of age. Furthermore, the new rule intends to introduce temporary prorated assistance—where legally allowed—until eligibility for all family members is confirmed, in contrast to the existing regulations that permit indefinite prorated assistance. These changes will better align HUD’s regulations with Section 214’s intent and support the current Administration’s regulatory priorities and reform initiatives. [Emphasis added]
HUD Secretary Scott Turner mentioned that these regulations target long-standing loopholes that have enabled undocumented immigrants to access public housing aid. Currently, around 2% of households led by illegal immigrants benefit from housing assistance, compared to 6% of those led by legal immigrants.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the days of illegal aliens, undocumented individuals, and fraudsters exploiting the system at the expense of American taxpayers are over,” Turner stated in an interview. “We have zero tolerance for displacing hard-working Americans or allowing others to take advantage of outdated loopholes.”
Back in August, HUD mandated that public housing tenants undergo screening and provide documentation proving their citizenship or eligible immigration status.
“This marks the start of the end for illegal aliens residing in tax-funded housing,” Turner remarked at that time.
